Anger over a lack of action on highways matters in Horncastle

The partial pedestrianisation of North of Market Place, between High Street and St Lawrence Street, came into force on Tuesday (September 23) – a delay of just over two weeks.

Councillors have also aired frustrations that the closure of St Lawrence Street has not been included in the partial pedestrianisation scheme, despite it being something that the town council has been calling for since around 2014.

Speaking at this month’s Horncastle Town Council meeting, Coun Richard Barker said: “In writing Councillor Aron, you said that the closure of North side of Market Place would be in place by September 7 – that hasn’t happened

“One business – Pop Inn Cafe – has applied for a pavement licene.

“That person told me she needs to wait for it to be approved by Lincolnshire County Council (LCC) and may have to wait up to two weeks.

“This doesn’t fit with what I understood about the decision being pushed through to help businesses.

“When is this closure going to happen?

“As it has been laid out, the existing taxi rank doubles up at the end nearest the Post Office so when St Lawrence Street is closed, so how will taxis get in and out?

“They should be relocated now so that there is not further disruption.

“When is St Lawrence Street going to be closed because it is integral to the other closure so that Costa and other outlets can take advantage of the scheme?”

Speaking at the meeting, Coun Bill Aron said: “St Lawrence Street is not involved with the partial closure of the Market Place.”

Coun Barker said: “Pop Inn Cafe can’t do anything or put tables and chairs out until that part of the road is closed.”

Coun Alan Lockwood added: “I just want to reinforce what Coun Barker has said – what is really disappointing is that through this process of granting street licenses we were promised great haste and a licence to be granted within 10 days.

“We asked for St Lawrence Street as well.

“What has been most disappointing is that when officers from LCC and other agencies come to Horncastle they don’t involve the town council whatsoever in these discussions

“We are left on the sidelines.

“Summer is over and we have done nothing due to so called politics at this level and at LCC.

“I am very disappointed that they have not have been able to use the Market Place as they should have been able to this summer.”

Coun Aron responded: “The fact that LCC joined forces with ELDC is so that pavement licences could be dealt with quickly.

“Coning of the area is the next aspect.”

Coun Dominic Hinkins said: “I have to agree with Coun Lockwood – it is so disappointing that St Lawrence Street has not been included.

“You say (Coun Aron) that you have turned this around but St Lawrence Street has been in the plan for years now.

“I was really surprised that I found out indirectly that it is only the left hand side that will be closed

“Since that closure will be in place for the next year, can we now go and go on and get the rest of the street closed?”

Coun Aron replied: “At the moment it will be looked at but there is no chance it can be brought forward.”

Coun Barker responded: “This is absolutely ridiculous.”

Coun Martin added: “I think Coun Aron has got the message so let’s wait for him to come back having heard the feelings from this meeting – that we would still like to go ahead with the closure of St Lawrence Street .

Coun Aron said: “It is not a question of whether we like it or not, it is a question of the whole system in Horncastle.

“The whole system goes through to September next year so consequently we will get the whole of next summer with the possibility of extending.”

Coun Barker said: “It (the closure of St Lawrence Street) is vital for this town

“This has been on the cards for several years and this is important – we are paying lip service to a load of excuses from our county councillor again

“He was charged with sorting this out

“I will not retract any statement – I represent businesses and I have done for many years and they have all asked me ‘when is this going to happen’?”

Coun Martin then ended the conversation and moved onto the next agenda item.

Speaking in an individual capacity after the meeting, town councillor Dominic Hinkins added: “As I commented at the September town council meeting, the situation surrounding the closure of the Market Place and St Lawrence Street is utterly absurd.

“We were told it would be closed by the end of August, which did not happen.

“We were then told at the meeting (on September 8) it had taken effect the day before – in complete contradiction of the facts, which are that the Market Place remains open.

“We have also discovered that the closure does not comprise the full area we requested, with diagrams, meaning that only two eateries are actually in a position to benefit from it, the Pop Inn and Stables – leaving several: Tanya’s, Costa, Mantles, Horncastle Pizza, and Agra Tandoori in the same frustrating position as before – and some would argue facing slightly unfair competition from those which do have access to the closed roads for outdoor seating.

“The road closure must include St Lawrence Street, as the council has been requesting for over six years.”

The pedestrianisation of the northern part of Horncastle’s Market Place will last until September 2021.

The closure is one of the first changes to be made in Lincolnshire as part of the first round of the Government’s emergency active travel fund, aimed at making cycling and walking easier as part of the national recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

Councillor Bill Aron, local member for Horncastle on Lincolnshire County Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see the part-pedestrianisation of the Market Place now taking place in Horncastle.

“The process has taken a little longer than hoped, as there is a legal process to follow to close the road to traffic, make it enforceable, and make sure that people will be safe – but it won’t take long to physically block off the road.

“Initially the road closure will be done with signs and cones, but longer term we can look at planters or other physical barriers to make it more attractive.

“The Pop Inn Café on Market Place has already applied for a street café licence to put tables and chairs on the road, and I’m pleased to say that application has been approved.

“The closure is for the benefit of local people and local businesses, so I’m glad the Pop Inn Café can take advantage of the new space straight away.

“If we find the closure works for the town, there’s an opportunity to keep it beyond September 2021.

“We’ll be keeping a close eye on how it works, and I’d be keen to hear from local residents their thoughts on the newly pedestrianised space.”